For the past 3 years, it has been our privilege to coach recent Cary Academy graduate, Carter Mathis.

Extremely athletic, Carter had already met with success in wrestling, basketball, and soccer before attempting track and field as a high school freshman. Carter’s overall challenge was to master pole vault technique and to trust himself. He persevered through the ups and downs of a vaulter’s career, and this past season qualified for New Balance Nationals. Carter competed in New York in March at the indoor competition, and he will jump next week at outdoor nationals.

Carter has also represented the Chargers in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles, the 4 X 200 and 4 X 400 relays, and the long jump. He brought home the silver medal in the pole vault for Cary Academy at the state meet. Additionally, Carter played varsity soccer and competed in several decathlons.

Carter exhibits great leadership skills and and is a true friend to all he encounters. He supports the younger vaulters, and challenges the more experienced to vault higher. When it came time to move Pole Vault Carolina into our new facility, Carter dedicated several days to help Coach set up the pit and move equipment. His service to the club garnered deep gratitude from us and a sense of pride and ownership for himself. When Carter walks in, we know our leader is in the house.

Carter caught the eye of several D1 and D3 coaches, and in the end decided to attend his family’s alma mater, The College of William and Mary.

Carter will be sorely missed! We wish him every success in pole vault and in life.…